RED-FACED snooker chiefs apologised today after a wheelchair-bound pensioner was shown to a balcony seat.

York snooker fanatic Edith Burrows thought she reserved a table-side vantage point for the UK Championship.

But when the 83-year-old arthritis-sufferer arrived at the Barbican Centre yesterday, stewards directed her up to the first floor. They said wheelchair fans would be sited there for "health and safety " reasons.

Furious daughter, Joyce, saw red and called the Evening Press.

After we highlighted the mix-up tournament officials offered Edith and her husband Cyril, 84, full refunds - and Edith a table-side spot for Sunday's big final.

Grateful Joyce said: "We're so grateful for the Evening Press's help. My parents are delighted."

Problems started when Joyce bought her parents surprise semi-final and final tickets, worth a total of £60, for the showcase snooker event.

"I queued for two hours when they first went on sale," she said.

"My parents both adore snooker, particularly mum, who watches it all the time on TV. I thought it would be a lovely early Christmas treat. They were both over the moon when I handed them the tickets."

Joyce claims she specifically told staff when paying that for mobility reasons her deaf mother had to be seated on the ground floor at the front of the audience, with Cyril seated nearby to keep watch.

But she was stunned yesterday when staff told them seating plans had been changed.

"I've never been so annoyed in all my life," admitted Joyce, who cares for her mum and dad at their home in Heathfield Road, off Hull Road.

"I had to take mum and dad up in the lift myself. It was very stressful and the kind of hassle two old people don't need at their age.

"Dad has had two small heart attacks and mum has very bad arthritis."

Joyce, 53, added: "The venue said they had called everybody affected to tell them about the changes.

"But they never phoned me. I don't know why they sent her to the first floor for safety reasons.

"What if there was a fire? This wouldn't have happened in a theatre."

Barbican boss Andrew Laslett apologised for the mix-up, which he blamed on a steward reading the tickets incorrectly and directing Edith to the balcony rather than the front row.

"It's totally our fault and we apologise profusely," he said. "We're delighted everything has now been sorted out."

This was the first ticketing problem at this year's Barbican event, which will attract 14,000 people, Mr Laslett added.

Edith, whose favourite player is Jimmy 'Whirlwind' White, said last night: "I've never seen Joyce so annoyed and that took the shine off things a little bit.

"But we're delighted with the response and really looking forward to Sunday's snooker."

Updated: 10:36 Saturday, November 29, 2003